a successful forensic animation needs to be both effective and admissible
Effectiveness
Increase understanding of testimony
Increase retention of information
Unify the mental images of the jury
Admissibility
Animations are demonstrative or illustrative evidence, not substantive
Animations should meet the admissibility guidelines laid out in Clark v. Cantrell
Clark v. Cantrell (529 S.E.2d 528, S.C. 2000)
Animation must be authentic
Animation must be relevant
Animation must be fair and accurate
Animation must have probative value